Zoomorphic dance crest "aku onu"

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Description

wood, bpigments, base

Dance crests „aku onu“ are one of the most abstract ones known in Africa. Worn vertically, it becomes anthropomorphic, with holes for the eyes, a long nose, a chignon at the front element, and a projecting chin beneath. Held horizontally, the mask turns into an animal with perforated elliptical horns with geometric patterns and a gaping mouth. During the ceremony, this mask was worn between the vertical and horizontal position, producing combining human and animal features.

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Comparing literature

Lebas, Alain (ed.), Arts of Nigeria in French Private Collections, Milan 2012, ill. 160

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Publications

van de Velde, Lucien & Joanna Teunen, From Benue River to Niger Delta, Antwerp 2012

AHDRC: 0153709

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